Montessori head educates Tokyo’s children for life

Name: James Moore

Title: Head of School, The Montessori School of Tokyo

URL: https://www.montessorijapan.com/

Hometown: Ravenshead, England

Years in Japan: 24

What led you to initially apply for a teaching position at The Montessori School of Tokyo (MST)?

Moore has seen firsthand the powerful impact that a Montessori learning environment has on students-including his own children. | COSUFI

After being here for three years on JET (the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme), I wanted to stay in Japan a bit longer — not necessarily because of teaching, but because I enjoyed life here. I had built strong friendships, my Japanese had improved and I was drawn to the idea of living in Tokyo for a couple of years. I applied to MST for practical reasons — it was an opportunity to continue working while figuring out my next steps. But something clicked once I arrived. There was something different, something special about the Montessori approach, and within a couple of years, I realized this wasn’t just another job — this was a philosophy I believed in. It became my career.

Can you summarize the key points of the Montessori educational philosophy?

Montessori is fundamentally child-centered. It’s based on developmental science and focuses on hands-on, self-directed learning. Instead of rigid teacher-led instruction, children explore at their own pace, guided by curiosity. Our classrooms are calm, structured environments filled with specialized materials that encourage problem-solving and independence. Teachers, or “guides,” observe and support rather than dictate. The mixed-age classrooms (e.g., ages 3 to 6, 6 to 9, etc.) foster mentorship, collaboration and leadership skills. Older students become role models, reinforcing their own learning by teaching younger ones. The goal isn’t just academic success — it’s nurturing confident, independent and self-motivated learners.

What do you love most about your current role as head of school?

The Montessori approach is at the heart of it, but for me, it’s also about community. I’ve been here for over two decades, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this environment is — not just for students, but for families and staff as well. As head of school, my role is multifaceted, but the essence of it is community-building. From admissions — where we ensure families understand and align with our values — to hiring passionate educators who believe in our philosophy, my job is about maintaining and strengthening the MST community. My twin sons, now 11, have been at MST since they were 1 year old. Knowing that they’re experiencing an education I truly believe in is incredibly meaningful.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I sing, play guitar and piano, and perform regularly with a band in Tokyo. Sports are another passion — football (soccer) is my favorite, and I still follow it religiously despite time-zone challenges. I used to play competitively through my school years, but since arriving in Tokyo I’ve also taken an interest in baseball, becoming a big fan of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. In the winter, I love skiing. I actually switched from snowboarding to skiing through MST’s student ski trips, and now I ski with my kids. I’m a big fan of board games, too. Whether it’s playing Settlers of Catan with my family or strategy games with friends, I love the social and strategic elements of a good game night!